Well-known Fairhope store burns

A late-night fire burned down the landmark Fairhope convenience store Bay Break on Thursday, city officials said. The bayside store, located near a city boat ramp, was a well-known spot not just for gas and snacks, but for fishing tackle and bait.

The city's police and fire departments received a call about the fire just after 10 p.m., said Dan McCrory, the city's water superintendent. Police were the first on scene, then McCrory arrived. Within minutes, Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department pumper trucks pulled in and firefigthers began battling the blaze, he said.

"It was already completely engulfed in flames before they got there, though. It went up fast," McCrory said. A cat belonging to the store's owners died due to smoke inhalation, he said.